Cambridge MA.,  – The 2016 ECEL All-Star Classic was one of the most entertaining and gratifying event for not only the players but everyone in attendance. The game was played on the historic Harvard University campus at their Bright-Landry Hockey Center. This year being special for one reason. ECEL partnered with United Heroes League to bring awareness to a wonderful and growing organization. United Heroes League has provided over $3 MILLION dollars’ worth of free sports equipment, game tickets, cash grants, and summer camps to military families across the US & Canada. United Heroes League has paid over $300,000 in grants to help with local hockey association fees.

The night was one to be remembered. It started off by Teams Krug and Parros meeting Bruins Centre Dominic Moore (Harvard ’03). Next team captains Trevor Ion (NY Aviators) and Caleb Boudreau (Newbridge Academy) taking the ceremonial puck drop before the game which was dropped by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Moricas. LTC Moricas is the New England representative for the United Heroes League.

Scoring for the night got started by a rip from Team Krug forward Cam Ellis (Elite Hockey Program). Parros skater Ben Jobin (Shamrocks Hockey Academy) drove the net hard to tie the game a 1. Team Parros stuck back not much longer with a goal from Zach Brissette (Boston Advantage). Before the second period could end Krug forward Josh Waters (Elite Hockey Program) stuffed one home to tie the game at 2. The 2nd period ended in a 2-2 tie. The third period started with a quick goal from Team Krug D-man Brendan Root (Aviators). Krug team captain Trevor Ion (Aviators) slammed 2 quick goals in to give Krug a 5-2 lead. Team Parros had fight left in them tallying one more before the period and game ended.

The Final score for the U16 All-star game was

Team Krug- (5) Team Parros – (3)

The U18 game All-Stars took the ice at 8:30 sharp. The puck drop again being done by LTC Moricas. The face-off was taken by Liam Dennison representing the Hill Academy and Team Burns. Taking the face-off for Team Parise was Devin Lowe from Team Maryland.

Team Burns broke through first with a goal from Owen Schiffmann (Boston Advantage). Team Parise struck before the 1st Period could expire with a rocket from Matt Demelis (Boston Advantage). The first period ended in a draw of 1 goal a piece. The second period saw 4 goals total 2 per sided ending that period in a 3-3 tie. Team Parise got one with 5:06 remaining in the third only to see an equalizer from team Parise. The third period ended in a 4-4 split and headed into a 5 minute 3v3 overtime period. The game winning goal was scored by Parise D-man Jake Mendeszoon from the Boston Jr Rangers.

The final score for the U18 All Star Game

Team Parise 5 (OT) Team Burns 4

The ECEL staff would like to thank all the players and their families for making it a night to remember. We would also like to thank the Harvard University Bright-Landry Arena staff for their generous hospitality. We would also like to thank Rob Rasmussen for the amazing team and action photos. Last but most certainly not least we want to thank Dominic Moore and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Moricas respectively for taking time out of their night to support the foundation and the All-star game and its participants. 

To make a donation to the United Heroes League Foundation, click here: https://app.mobilecause.com/form/-YlS0Q